Sarah & Jason

Adoption has been something that I was always very open to because we have close friends, neighbors, and extended family who are adopted. We started talking about it seriously a couple of years ago as an option, and as Christians, adoption holds a special place in our hearts. It is a way we can love like Jesus loves us. The more we talked and prayed about it, and went to adoption informational meetings at Church, we just felt led to move forward and start the process. Though it hasn't been easy, it has been completely worth it, and we look forward to, at some point in the future, adding to our family and adopting again.

The process from start to finish took about 22 months which was much longer than I had anticipated. For whatever reason, I thought our journey would be simple and fast without any "speed bumps". And then reality hit. We now realize that adoption is never simple or easy; it's a complex issue with a human life at stake. But, if you stay committed and keep your faith, in the grand scheme of things, the wait time is nothing compared to the life you now have!

Everyone at Everlasting was great with us. They were completely reachable and in contact, even if it was just to emote and verbalize our feelings. What we loved is that they've been through the process themselves so they understand all the feelings and emotions that are a part of the journey. I liked receiving a monthly update email from them, and also being able to text any of the ladies at a moment's notice. That made us feel like we weren't alone or forgotten in the process.

Our advice to other prospective adoptive parents is to be patient! Maybe it will happen right away for you, but be patient in the wait if it doesn't. Keep living your life and enjoying today while hoping for tomorrow. Also, be prepared as much as possible for a roller coaster of emotions. It isn't always a smooth process and there are risks and fears, so go into it not expecting perfection but being realistic. And know most of all, every tear, every fear, every moment waiting and hoping is completely WORTH IT.

I would rate my overall experience with Everlasting an 8.5 out of 10. I would rank it higher maybe if we were placed faster, but, we really feel, for the price, Everlasting was a great value, truly affordable. The women were very personable and easy to work with.

Sara and Jason

Katie & Merrick

We had always talked about adopting when we had completed our biological family, but the more we talked about it, the more we thought, “why not START our family with adoption?” The process took about 17 months, and although the wait was excruciating, it was really encouraging to hear from Sheila and Ceal from Everlasting. Once we were matched, Ceal was diligent in checking in with us AND our birth mom, making sure everything was moving forward smoothly. There were moments of uncertainty and complication, but the Everlasting staff was extremely encouraging and helpful. We had a wonderful experience with Everlasting and will likely use them again in the future! Once we had our little one in our arms, Ceal sent congratulations and a kiss from “Auntie” Ceal! One piece of advice we would offer prospective adoptive parents is try not to obsess over the wait (easier said than done). Live your life in the meantime – vacation, travel, date your spouse, etc. And most importantly, DON’T LOSE FAITH that your little one WILL make it to you at the right time!

Love,
Katie and Merrick

Sean & Christi

Sean and I discussed adoption from the first time we started talking about family planning. We did want to try to have a baby the "old fashioned way" first, but after numerous miscarriages, and failed IVF rounds, we found out, definitively, that we cannot have a child naturally.

From the time we signed up with Everlasting Adoptions until our beautiful baby son, Austin, was born, and we were able to bring him home, took about 16 months. The process was filled with ups and downs. Sean and I were initially placed with a birthmother this past summer. We established a great relationship with the birthparents and were present for the birth. The day we were to take the baby home with us, the birthparents decided to keep the baby. Sean and I were devastated, and were not sure we wanted to proceed with the adoption process. We took some time to heal, and realized in our hearts that we wanted to be parents more than ever. Shortly after we decided to proceed, we were matched with an Angel; Austin's birthmother.

We would like to give some advice to other prospective adoptive parents. I think the biggest thing we would say, is to proceed with some caution after being placed with a birthmother. Don't get overly excited (ie; telling the whole world about the pending adoption, decorating the nursery, throwing showers etc....) Wait until you bring the baby home to tell everybody else (other than close friends and family), throw the showers, and decorate the nursery. That way you can do everything with your baby, and it will make the experience just that much more special!

The staff at Everlasting Adoptions - namely Ceal - was an integral part in our adoption journey. Ceal introduced our birthmother to us, and helped guide both sides through the emotional process, offering guidance and advice. Ceal honestly made the adoption possible!!! Ceal became a lifetime friend not only to the birthmother, but to Sean and myself as well!

Out of 10 Stars, I would give Everlasting a 10....we have our beautiful baby boy Austin, because of Everlasting Adoptions!!!

Abbott & Amelia

Dear Everlasting,

We would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” in assisting us in fulfilling our desire to be parents. With your help, we were connected with a sweet birthmother and have been blessed with a beautiful baby boy. We, along with our families, are over the moon with joy and love. We cannot begin to express to you how much our families adore our little one.

Our adoption journey has been a very positive experience. We began the process in June of 2013, and in February of 2014, our dream became reality. For us, adoption was two-fold. While it has provided us with the family we so desired, it has also allowed us to be a blessing to our child and his birthmother. We are very grateful to the birthmother for the courage that it took to make what we know was a very difficult decision.

From the initial stages of the adoption process through a successful connection, the staff at Everlasting was wonderful. Not only were they professional, but they were also very sincere in their dedication to ensure a connection was made. We never once felt like we were just a number in a pool. For us, that was a very big factor in selecting an agency to assist us. We especially want to thank Ceal, who was our adoption counselor. Each time we spoke with her, her demeanor was always the same…caring and genuine interest in whatever our concerns were.

To prospective adoptive parents, we encourage you to trust that Everlasting will do everything possible to make a perfect connection. Our experience was 100% positive, and we look forward to working with them in the future.

Again, "thank you" to our special birthmom for choosing and allowing us to provide all the opportunity and love that a mother desires for her child. We love you to infinity!

Many thanks to Everlasting for the connection that we believe was made according to God’s perfect plan.

Abbott & Amelia

Zenobia & Conrad

We tried to have a baby for several years including two miscarriages. Due to our age, we realized that adoption would be the most feasible route to start a family together. We started the process in March, 2013 with Everlasting Adoptions, and on January 27, 2014, one of God's most precious gifts to us was born. I am ecstatic yet humbled by God's goodness as I think of our little one sleeping peacefully in her bassinet at this very moment. The staff at Everlasting Adoptions were instrumental in helping us to keep our focus. Ceal always had a kind word of support and encouragement just when we needed it. If you are considering the process or you are in the middle of the process, gird yourself with positive thoughts, prayers, confessions and a supportive network of friends, and just keep pressing. There are times of excitement, frustration and disappointment...but just like labor, when it is over and you hold your baby, you forget about all of the pain and frustration that you have ever felt. The reward for your journey is priceless.